The Mann is pleased to announce that Voices of Hope: A Celebration of Black Excellence will return to an in-person event on May 6, 2022 at the Mann Center! This annual celebration honors Philadelphia trailblazers who embody a culture of compassion and positive change. We aim to spotlight a level of excellence for younger generations to strive toward.

This year, the Mann Center will honor six inspirational Philadelphians:

Carol Riddick
Innovation Award for Artistic Excellence

Robert & Benjamin Bynum (SOUTH)
Innovation Award for Culinary Excellence

Valarie Cofield (Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council)
Innovation for Community Advancement

Leslie Smallwood-Lewis & Gregory Reaves (Mosaic Development Partners)
Innovation Award for Community Impact

With every Voices of Hope event, the Mann curates a special lineup of artist performances. The evening will feature performances by three amazing artists including Philadelphia’s own Chill Moody, GRAMMY® Award-nominated artists Eric Wortham II and Carol Riddick, whom the Mann admires as long-standing partners in their community-focused and educational programming. The emcee for the evening will be Brandon Pankey, Vice President of Business Development & Operations for Live Nation Urban and founder of APEX Video Network. The keynote speaker for the evening will be 2020 Voices of Hope honoree and President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake.

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake
Keynote Speaker

The central theme for this year's Voices of Hope celebration is joy, with focuses on music, culinary, uplifting the community and unsung heroes. Focusing on these universal themes by amplifying the incredible contributions of African American culture can be unifying and powerful, which is what we all need now more than ever.

Please note: Voices of Hope is a free event open to the public, providing open access to music and inspiration. Space is limited and registration is required for entry. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event will be required for entry.

Vaccine & Voter Registration Event

Stop by the Mann before our Voices of Hope event for vaccines, health screenings, and voter registration! This special event will take place on Friday, May 6 from 12PM – 4PM. Enjoy family-friendly activities and a chance to win tickets to a Movies @ the Mann series performance, Ledisi Sings Nina with The Philadelphia Orchestra, or The Roots Picnic!

Register Here